Molecular and genetic mechanisms of egg shell formation
https://doi.org/10.25687/3034-493X.2025.2.1.001
Abstract
Eggs are one of the most sought-after sources of available animal protein. Eggshell quality is of particular biological interest and economic importance to the poultry industry. Huge losses caused by eggshell quality deterioration have become an urgent problem in the production of breeding and food eggs. Deterioration of eggshell quality causes the risk of foodborne diseases in consumers. This review analyzes the literature data on molecular and genetic mechanisms of eggshell formation. Transcriptome analysis of the eggshell gland in laying hens differing in age showed differential expression of FGF14, COL25A1, GPX8 and GRXCR1 genes. Functional annotation analysis showed their involvement in processes related to eggshell calcification and cuticularization. Examination of the transcriptome of 49-week-old hens divided into groups according to eggshell quality showed that the KRT14 gene was one of the genes with the largest difference between groups with strong and fragile eggshells. Following KRT14 overexpression in uterine epithelial cells, the expression of OC-116, CALB1 and BST1 increases significantly, while OC-17 expression decreases significantly. Comparison of differentially expressed genes in two independent studies performed on chickens with different shell quality traits revealed 16 genes whose expression patterns were similar. The identified genes are involved in various biological processes and perform a variety of functions. Thus, the protein encoded by the TTYH3 gene functions as a calcium(2+)-activated chloride(-) channel of large conductance. The ITPKA gene regulates the metabolism of inositol phosphate, which is a substrate for cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase, calcium/ calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II, and protein kinase C in vitro. ITPKA is one of the genes that bind to eggshell speckles. Thus, the performed analysis of literature data showed that molecular genetic mechanisms of eggshell formation are complex and not fully understood. The studies demonstrate the role of differentially expressed genes in various processes, including their potential participation in the calcification process.
About the Authors
O. V. Kostyunina
L.K. Ernst Federal Research Center for Animal Husbandry
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Moscow Region
O. S. Romanenkova
L.K. Ernst Federal Research Center for Animal Husbandry
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Moscow Region
O. V. Aleynikova
L.K. Ernst Federal Research Center for Animal Husbandry
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Moscow Region
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Kostyunina O.V., Romanenkova O.S., Aleynikova O.V. Molecular and genetic mechanisms of egg shell formation. Ernst Journal of Animal Science. 2025;(1):4-15. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.25687/3034-493X.2025.2.1.001
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